A recent study uncovered why so many individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum conditions are fond of video games as a pastime.

The study, which appears in the journal Computers in Human Behavior, adds to existing knowledge about the purpose of video games for those with autism.

Anna Pyszkowska and colleagues intended to investigate the positive and negative motivators for video gaming in individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum conditions.

Statistical analysis of this data revealed that those with high levels of negative affect or autistic burnout were more likely to play video games for self-suppression reasons.

Those scoring high on the measure of hedonic tone (or how able they were to experience joy) were more likely to report that self-expansion was the reason for their video game endeavors.

Despite these concerns, the research team feels their work was a meaningful addition to what is known about gaming motivations and autism spectrum conditions.